IBS in TCM and Western Medicine
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic functional disorder of the digestive system characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and/or constipation.
Western Medicine Perspective on IBS:
Cause: Unknown, but linked to gut-brain interaction, stress, diet, and gut microbiome imbalances.
Types of IBS:
IBS-D (Diarrhea-predominant)
IBS-C (Constipation-predominant)
IBS-M (Mixed type)
IBS-U (Unclassified type)
Diagnosis: Based on symptoms (Rome IV criteria); no structural damage is seen.
Treatment Approach: Medications, dietary changes, and stress management.
TCM Perspective on IBS:
Cause: IBS results from disharmonies in the Liver, Spleen, and Stomach, leading to Qi stagnation, Dampness, and Cold or Heat imbalances.
Patterns of Disharmony:
Liver Qi Stagnation (Stress-induced IBS) – Alternating diarrhea/constipation, bloating, pain worsened by stress.
Spleen Qi Deficiency (Weak Digestion IBS-C) – Loose stools, bloating, fatigue, poor appetite.
Damp-Heat in the Intestines (IBS-D) – Urgent diarrhea, mucus in stool, abdominal cramping.
Cold in the Intestines (IBS-C) – Chronic constipation, dull pain, and bloating are relieved by warmth.
Acupuncture & Western Medicine Treatment for IBS
Acupuncture Points for IBS (Regulate Qi & Intestinal Function):
ST25 (Tianshu) – Regulates intestines, relieves diarrhea/constipation.
ST36 (Zusanli) – Strengthens digestion, improves gut function.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – Harmonizes digestion and reduces bloating.
LV3 (Taichong) – Relieves stress-induced IBS symptoms.
LI4 (Hegu) – Regulates digestion, reduces cramping.
Western Medications for IBS:
IBS-D (Diarrhea-predominant):
Loperamide (Immodium) – Slows down bowel movements.
Rifaximin (Xifaxan) – Treats bacterial overgrowth (SIBO-related IBS-D).
Eluxadoline (Viberzi) – Reduces urgency in severe IBS-D cases.
IBS-C (Constipation-predominant):
Linaclotide (Linzess), Lubiprostone (Amitiza) – Improves bowel movements.
Osmotic laxatives (Miralax) – Help soften stools.
For Pain & Bloating:
Antispasmodics (Dicyclomine, Hyoscyamine) – Reduce cramping.
Low-dose antidepressants (Amitriptyline, SSRIs) – Regulate gut-brain function.
Recommended Treatment Plan:
Acupuncture: 2-3 times per week for acute symptoms, then weekly for maintenance.
Western Medicine: Medications based on IBS type + dietary changes.
Combination Therapy: Acupuncture + Probiotics or Herbal Formulas + Fiber Supplements.
Herbal & Medication Therapy for IBS
Herbal Formulas (TCM Perspective):
Liver Qi Stagnation (IBS-M): Xiao Yao San – Regulates Liver Qi, reduces stress-related bloating.
Spleen Qi Deficiency (IBS-C): Shen Ling Bai Zhu San – Strengthens digestion, relieves bloating.
Damp-Heat (IBS-D): Huang Qin Tang – Clears heat, relieves urgent diarrhea.
Cold in the Intestines (IBS-C): Fu Zi Li Zhong Tang – Warms intestines, relieves sluggish digestion.
Western Medication Alternatives:
Antispasmodics for pain relief (e.g., Dicyclomine, Hyoscyamine)
Laxatives for IBS-C (e.g., Linaclotide, Polyethylene glycol)
Anti-diarrheal for IBS-D (e.g., Loperamide, Rifaximin)
Probiotics for gut microbiome balance
Dietary Recommendations for IBS (TCM & Western Approach)
Foods to Eat (to Support Gut Health & Digestion):
✅ Cooked vegetables – Carrots, squash, zucchini (easy to digest).
✅ Whole grains – Oats, quinoa, rice.
✅ Lean proteins – Chicken, turkey, tofu.
✅ Herbal teas – Peppermint (IBS-D), Ginger (IBS-C), Chamomile (IBS-M).
✅ Probiotic-rich foods – Yogurt (if tolerated) and fermented vegetables.
Foods to Avoid (IBS Triggers):
❌ Spicy foods – Peppers, chili, and heavy spices.
❌ High-FODMAP foods – Garlic, onions, dairy, beans.
❌ Greasy/fried foods – Difficult to digest, cause bloating.
❌ Caffeine and alcohol – Can aggravate gut sensitivity.
Lifestyle & Home Remedies for IBS (Integrating TCM & Western Medicine)
TCM-Based Lifestyle Tips:
✅ Acupuncture for Qi balance – 2-3x/week initially, then maintenance.
✅ Qi Gong & Tai Chi – Helps regulate stress and digestion.
✅ Warm foods & drinks – Support digestion, avoid cold/raw foods.
✅ Stress management – Meditation, deep breathing.
Western Medicine Lifestyle Adjustments:
✅ Low-FODMAP diet – Reduces bloating and triggers.
✅ Regular exercise – Helps gut motility and stress.
✅ Psychotherapy (CBT, gut-directed hypnotherapy) – Regulates gut-brain interaction.
IBS Treatment Plan: Combining TCM & Western Medicine
| Week | Acupuncture | Herbs & Medications | Diet & Lifestyle |
| 1-2 | 2-3 sessions per week | Xiao Yao San (IBS-M) OR Loperamide (IBS-D) | Low-FODMAP diet, stress management |
| 3-4 | 1-2 sessions per week | Adjust herbs or medications based on improvement | Continue dietary modifications, Tai Chi |
Final Thoughts: Integrating Western & TCM for IBS
Western medicine provides symptom relief but may not address root causes.
TCM focuses on restoring balance and reducing stress-related triggers.
Combining acupuncture, herbal formulas, and medications offers an effective, holistic approach to IBS management.
This information is only educational and should not be construed as medical advice.
Everything must be balanced, and the suggestions may not apply to you.
A specialist doctor should be consulted for any medical advice or diagnosis.
Acupuncture near me at Forest Hill, New York
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Dr. Phumlarp Caulo LA,c, MAc. OM, DAHM
Doctor of Acupuncture/Chinese Medicine
Caulo Care Acupuncture
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